A former member of the House of Representatives and Ondo governorship hopeful, Mayowa Akinfolarin, says the state needs a selfless leader to reconfigure its economic potential for growth and development. 

Mr Akinfolarin, a two-term federal lawmaker who spoke as the state prepared for its governorship election on November 16, said Ondo is one of the most prosperous states in the country.

At an interactive session on Monday, he told journalists that the state needs a leader with a genuine interest in helping people tap into the state’s resources as part of leadership qualities to bring succour and hope. 

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, currently completing the administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, will round off the tenure by February 23, 2025. 

Even though the political parties in the state are yet to conduct their primaries to pick their respective candidate, many aspirants have shown interest in the race to occupy the seat of Alagbaka Government House in Akure, the state capital. 

Speaking further, Mr Akinfolarin said, “Although we have so many people on the ground, my case is different; if you look at the state of affairs in the state, you will all agree with me that Ondo state needs to be reconfigured.”

He stressed, “We need to reconfigure the developmental structure of this state because there seem to be some gaps between the government and the people in recent times.” 

While recounting his experience as a former lawmaker who represented the Ile-Oluji Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2023, he explained that people no longer have confidence in the government due to the mistakes of past political leaders. 

“People no longer have confidence in what government is doing; we need someone to energise the system, we need someone to give assurance, we need someone to let us know that this government is our government,” he stated.

Mr Akinfolarin, however, stressed that the state must be included in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who he noted was doing everything possible to reposition and change the narrative in the country. 

“I want to offer myself now to be the governor of this state in order to serve the good people of Ondo state, and with what Mr President is doing in this country, we need someone that will compliment his efforts here in Ondo state. 

“Therefore, I put myself forward to seek the support of all and sundry to enable me to serve as the governor of Ondo state. So, we can change the narrative and transform the state for good for our and our children’s children,” Mr Akinfolarin stated.